Jaye P. Morgan has died at the age of 94.
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The family of the singer and television star shared the news, which was reported by Deadline. Morgan died on Aug. 24. The cause and location of her death were not shared. The Gong Show star resided in Castle Rock, Washington.
Jaye P. Morgan Was a Singer and Talk Show Staple
Morgan was born on Dec. 3, 1931, in Mancos, Colorado, into a family of vaudeville performers. Born Mary Margaret Morgan, she was dubbed Jaye P. by her classmates, a riff on the legendary financier and investment banker.
The vocalist performed in Los Angeles with Western Swing musician Hank Penny in her teens. She then became the lead female vocalist for the Frank DeVol Orchestra in 1950, after she graduated from high school.
Morgan embarked on a solo career. She racked up numerous hit songs, including "That's All I Want from You," "The Longest Walk," "Danger! Heartbreak Ahead," "If You Don't Want My Love," and "Pepper-Hot Baby." She also began appearing regularly in nightclubs and primetime variety shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and The Dinah Shore Show.
Morgan Bared Her Breasts on "The Gong Show"
Morgan experienced a resurgence in the 1970s, thanks to her numerous and often hilarious appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Merv Griffin Show. She also embarked on an acting career, appearing as a guest on The Odd Couple and The Love Boat. She also sang the theme song to the sitcom Fay.
However, Morgan is perhaps best known as a judge on The Gong Show. The syndicated reality competition show was not only a showcase for contestants' talents (or lack thereof), but for Morgan's risque sense of humor.
But in 1978, the network banned Morgan from the show after she flashed her breasts on camera while Gene, Gene, the Dancing Machine performed. Footage of the incident also appeared in the 1980 movie based on the show. Morgan also appeared as herself in the film Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, a film based on the life of Gong Show creator Chuck Barris.
Morgan is survived by her son Paul.
